One Question One Answer

Forgiven? Accepted? Loved? These are just some of the one word questions being asked around the Metro Detroit area. They are popping up on billboards, t-shirts, buttons, etc. Challenging questions with no answers...yet.

The billboards are part of the EACH campaign - Everyone a Chance to Hear. What began as an idea for Bob Shirock and Oak Pointe church grew into a unified group of more than 500 churches and organizations – all with a heart to bring hope to a hurting region.

I saw an interview and read an article from WXYZ.com. Here is what Bob Shirock had to say. “Everyone’s life is a story and it revolves around a word or an issue, and what you’re seeing right now is the first half of the story,” Pastor Bib Shirock says. “But hopefully there’s a second half to the story that’s better than the first half… you’ll be seeing it soon, after Easter.”

The prayer walk this Saturday was AMAZING! Tens of thousands of believers from different cities, churches, denominations, racial and economic backgrounds, all united for fellowship, worship and prayer. We began at Comerica Park, walked along Woodward to the Spirit of Detroit, then headed back to Comerica Park, praying for the city along the way. I know the Lord has great things in store for Detroit if we just turn our focus back to Him. Sharing His Gospel. Teaching His Word. Being His hands and feet. Living His purpose.

Purpose is huge for me. If you know my story, I searched long and hard for purpose and meaning in my life. And that search led me astray. However, when I recommitted my life to Christ, He answered my questions. I discovered my purpose in Him.

Purpose?

Purpose.

Bob Shirock continued in the interview “I’m also hoping that the world sees what’s happening in Detroit, because you know Time Magazine said the world is watching Detroit with an interest to see if it can rise from the ashes. And this is our time in the body of Christ to say to the world, look at what just happened. Churches came together, denominations came together, races came together, and they loved each other and they brought good news and good deeds. I hope the world sees that.”

We all do. My prayers are already lifting and my mind is already whirling about the potential to impact South Africa the same way. To help the region of Qwa Qwa rise from the ashes, lifting the entire nation as well.

Purpose.

My question. Christ’s answer.

Get Angry

In Nehemiah 5 the people cried out because they were suffering in poverty. They were running out of food due to famine and being excessively taxed by the nobles. When Nehemiah heard their outcry he became very angry.

Contrary to belief, anger is a God-given emotion. God gave us the capacity for anger to arouse us against evil and to propel us into action. When anger is controlled and directed in the right way it can lead to positive change. And that’s what happened in Nehemiah’s case.

Nehemiah was angered by the injustice, and because people he cared about were suffering. They needed his help. First, he pondered what to do demonstrating wisdom and control. Then he went directly to the nobles to discuss the problem with them.

We can learn a lot from Nehemiah’s approach. Nehemiah appealed to their humanity. He pointed out how the nobles were mistreating their own people, essentially enslaving them once again. Nehemiah also appealed to their faith. He reminded them they needed to fear God and live beyond reproach as witnesses to their enemies. He was convincing and convicting, while still being compassionate. He was assertive without being aggressive. The nobles agreed with Nehemiah, repented, and cooperated in correcting the situation.

Three things stuck out to me in this passage.

First, how Nehemiah heard the cries for help, got angry, and directed his anger toward positive change. Nehemiah led wisely, boldly, and practically. He also led spiritually keeping in tune with God - praying, praising, and proclaiming his name. He didn’t let his anger get the best of him, nor did he run ahead of God. This is such a temptation for leaders including myself. With the job of leading and the capabilities to do so, sometimes I run ahead of God, strive on my own, and then ask God to bless it later. Sometimes it’s intentional or conscious, but most times it’s not. I just forget. I take off from the gates before thinking or praying. Nehemiah got it right. I need to as well.

Second, that Nehemiah was willing to do exactly what he was asking others to do. He showed that he cared and set an example when he stopped receiving taxes from the people. And he went above and beyond by generously giving back. He set an amazing example.

And third, Nehemiah had the courage to hold himself and others accountable to God. He challenged people to fear God, live out their faith and to be a witness to others. He modeled it as well. As Christian leaders, this is key. We need to be different, to be light in the darkness, to be a fragrant aroma that attracts others.

What makes you angry? What is God prompting you to do about it? What makes you different? I’m asking myself these same questions.

Michigan Visit

After a loooong flight and unexpected delay, I finally made it to Michigan late Friday. I’m not sure what was better – seeing my mom and dad, or eating Little Caesar’s, both were pretty AWESOME!! After a few days with my folks, I’m now staying with my brother’s family in Wixom. So far it has been wonderful to catch up with family and friends. A year is a long time to be away. In some ways it’s like I never left – Kohl’s is still having a sale, Kwame is still making headlines… In other ways I’ve missed a lot – like how fast my niece and nephew are growing up.

Over the next several weeks I’ll be visiting with personal and ministry partners. I’m looking forward to sharing and celebrating all the Lord has done through Ignite South Africa. I’m also excited to invite people to join with us, either by supporting me personally or by getting involved in our ministry.

This has been such an exciting year! As I think about the bold yet anxious steps we took in starting a new ministry, I’m amazed at what the Lord has blessed us with.

• A growing youth ministry • Coaches who are mature, godly leaders • Bigger leadership conferences • An opportunity for in-depth workshops which are new this year • Discipleship classes • Mission teams

We have so much to be thankful for…and so much more to do.

Please let me know if you’d like to get together while I’m in town through May 10th. I’d love to catch up. My temporary phone number is 248-686-9554. And please pray for me as I meet with current and potential partners, that the Lord would ignite additional people with a heart for raising godly leaders in South Africa.

Enriching our Leaders

On March 14th 14 pastors and spouses joined us for our first Enrich leadership workshop of the year. Our theme was Healing the Wounded Heart, and June and Abram did an amazing job teaching.

We began with establishing a firm foundation - our identities based on God’s truths. Next we taught about bitterroot judgments, ungodly beliefs, inner vows, and hearts of stone – areas in our lives that need to be identified and overcome in order to minister effectively to others. We concluded with the power of forgiveness and how to continue applying God’s truth to our lives. In between each session, there was time for prayer and reflection so that the Lord to minister to each person individually.

Based on our feedback, it was clear that many experienced a release and healing from past struggles, leaving them better equipped to lead and counsel their congregations. Several pastors also expressed an interest in offering the workshop again for their congregation members.

“Today I found myself loved by God in a great way. Since the morning, I felt God speaking to me. Every word as being prophecy. There were things that affected my life a lot, especially in rejection and forgiveness. The church I live at, I will teach more about forgiveness.” - Moloi Mantwa

“God has blessed me so much by revealing about inner vows and how they can ruin our lives. I’m so excited because I’m free from them by the grace of God the Father. This has been an eye-opener that will help my ministry grow in knowledge of God’s word.” - a church pastor

Solid Foundations

Our heart (and mine) for discipleship runs deep. A disciple is a learner, a follower, someone who adopts the disciplines of his teacher both in theory and in practice. I want to grow as a disciple and as a godly leader – to me, they are the same thing. And as I learn and grow, I want to help others to do the same, especially here in South Africa where resources are so limited.

Our mission (and mine) is to train people in God’s word so they can live godly lives, impact others around them, and serve their local church and community more effectively. We not only want to feed God’s people, but also to create a hunger in them, teaching them to feed themselves through continued study and application of God’s truths.

Last week we began a “Foundations of Faith” discipleship class at a church in Qwa Qwa. Abram and I take turns teaching. The class is comprised of worship, prayer, a lesson, small group discussion, then large group Q&A. The format works well to provide solid teaching, while also giving students an opportunity to learn from each other and apply what they’ve learned.

When I asked folks what they wanted to learn from the class their answers varied. Some are new believers and desire a spiritual foundation to build on. Others want to learn more about the Bible and develop discipline for study. And still others want to learn to teach and counsel people in need.

Please join in praying for our students, that God exceeds their expectations as they are equipped to be passionate and effective witnesses for Christ.

Rough Waters

Leadership isn’t easy – it’s wrought with opposition, obstacles and challenges. God calls and equips, but he never said it would be smooth sailing. He only promises to be with us to navigate the rough waters.

In Nehemiah’s case opposition rose immediately - Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem ridiculed them trying to weaken their resolve and lower their morale. Nehemiah stood his ground. He defended his people trusting God would give them success. Not only did Nehemiah stand up to the three men, but I think his confession reinforced his own faith in God. Affirming words are powerful.

As the walls rose higher, the opposition did as well. Growing in numbers, the men publically ridiculed the Jews and plotted against them. But Nehemiah didn’t let the opposition weaken his faith or distract him from the work God called him to. He fought back through his earnest prayers to God. His people prayed as well, which means he must have communicated the need and the importance of prayer. Prayer is a powerful weapon and Nehemiah modeled this as a leader.

Nehemiah prayed, but he also took decisive action. He posted guards day and night. The workers each had weapons. And because they were widely separated along the wall, he posted a trumpeter to call at any sign of trouble. Nehemiah also encouraged his people telling them not to be afraid and reminding them to trust in the Lord. And Nehemiah was there for his people – he too never removed his clothes or his weapon. He was on guard 24/7.

Did Nehemiah doubt God’s protection by posting guards and carrying weapons? Did he waver in his faith by taking action? No. He did the job that God called him to do, praying and seeking God’s will each step of the way. As leaders we’re called to have faith, but also to take action – the 2 go together. Sometimes it’s difficult to know what to do when, but I believe that as long as we’re sincerely seeking God first, he’s not going to let us make the wrong move.

It’s interesting how banding together to fight opposition can make a team stronger. We experienced that when we had a period of repeated break-ins on our previous property. We united, prayed, began night patrols, and did a prayer walk across the entire base. It was powerful to stand together in faith like that, and the prayers worked to drive our enemies away. But the results weren’t immediate. We had to keep our faith, strengthen our patience, and remain persistent in pressing in to God. Like a car brake that stays engaged when our foot applies pressure, our faith stays engaged when our patience and persistence apply pressure.

In Nehemiah’s case, the people were growing weary of the work and the constant, increasing threat of attack. But as they banded together to fight back, they were reunited and reenergized to finish what God called them to do. The Lord can use everything for good. I know this from experience.

Using Our Influence

When you hear the word “Influence” what comes to mind? Negative influences that battle against us? Positive ones that we try to surround ourselves with? How about the influence we have as leaders?

At our recent Impact youth leadership conference we talked a lot about influence. We wanted to help the students recognize the influences and peer pressures around them, but more importantly how they have the power and potential to be positive influences in so many ways. Through decisions and choices, through interaction with friends, by being good examples and teaching others, by modeling leadership.

When we asked the question “What kind of influence do you have and how will you use it?” it was clear that they “got it”. Here is what some of our 7-9th grade leaders had to say.

“I have a very good influence and I will show it to others by being a great leader and setting good examples for them.”

“I am a believer in God and intend to use my faith to teach others about God and how much love He has for us.”

“Do my job with creativity and excellence. Deal wisely with difficulty. Be a model for others to follow. Offer creative ideas for change and improvement.”

“I have an influence of making people see the inside person of me, and by how I behave towards them. I mostly use it by encouraging them and showing them my best.”

“I have influence in leadership and I will use it to teach other people about leadership. I have influence in encouraging other people and I am using it.”

We can learn a lot from these young, wise leaders. Please join us in praying for them as they lead with godly influence.